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2020 BMW K1600 Grand America Overview
For 2020, BMW offers the K1600 Grand America as a touring motorcycle with 1649 cc on tap. The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America is built around an In-line six, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.2:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 72 x 67.5 mm. Out on the road, the K1600 Grand America delivers 118 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 162 km/h. In everyday use, the 2020 K1600 Grand America tips the scales at 364 kg, carries a 26.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 750 mm and spans a 1618 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 53.5 kg heavier than the average touring motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America spec sheet below.
2020 BMW K1600 Grand America compared with other bikes in the Touring category
Measured against other bikes in the Touring category in our database (up to 414 models, one entry per model), the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America comes out as follows.
- With 118 kW, the K1600 Grand America has the joint 2nd highest power output of 219 bikes in the Touring category, 79% above the category average of 65.7 kW.
- Torque of 175 Nm is higher than that of 397 of the other 413 bikes in the Touring category.
- Only 28 of the other 116 bikes in the Touring category have a higher power-to-weight ratio than the 324 W/kg of the K1600 Grand America.
- Narrowing the field to the 61 models within five model years of it, the power output of 118 kW is higher than that of 58 of the other 60.
Versus the 2019 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2019 model: peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.
2020 K1600 Grand America - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the K1600 Grand America is 118 kW @ 7750 rpm and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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🛑
Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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📏
Accessible seat height: At just 750 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
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⛽
Large fuel range: With a 26.5-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the K1600 Grand America - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the K1600 Grand America's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by Dual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension up front and Paralever at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the K1600 Grand America removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The K1600 Grand America's 364 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
K1600 Grand America - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America with its 1649 cc touring should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 6 years old, this touring is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept K1600 Grand America settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the K1600 Grand America's 1649 cc in-line six, four-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With a 12.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Carburetor upkeep
A K1600 Grand America that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a K1600 Grand America's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2020 BMW K1600 Grand America - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America have?
The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America uses an In-line six, four-stroke engine with 1649 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America?
The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America has a factory-quoted top speed of 162 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America weigh?
The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America weighs 364 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America make?
The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America produces 118 kW @ 7750 rpm of power and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America?
The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America has a 26.5-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 441-530 km between stops.
Is the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America suitable for shorter riders?
The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America has a seat height of 750 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America have?
The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America uses 2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and single 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America use?
The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America have?
The 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America is fitted with a Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut transmission.
BMW K1600 Grand America Spec Evolution
The BMW K1600 Grand America was produced across 4 model years (2019-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2019 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
| Max Power |
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm |
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm |
118 kW / 160 hp @ 6750 rpm |
- |
| Wet Weight |
336 kg / 740.7 lbs |
364.0 kg / 802.5 lbs |
370 kg / 809.1 lbs |
367.0 kg / 809.1 lbs |
| Top Speed |
162.0 km/h / 100.7 mph |
162.0 km/h / 100.7 mph |
160.9 km/h / 100.0 mph |
160.9 km/h / 100.0 mph |
| Seat Height |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in - 800mm / 31.49 in optional |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
26.50 litres / 7.00 US gallons |
26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal |
26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal |
26.50 litres / 7.00 US gallons |
| Storage |
Saddle bags, top box |
- |
- |
Side cases. Top case. |
| Comments |
High Windshield. Dynamic Traction Control. Adaptive Headlight. Tyre Pressure Control. Audio System. Reverse Gear. Anti-theft Alarm System. Intelligent Emergency Call (ECALL). |
Audio system with Bluetooth. Cruise control. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)
Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). Seat heating. Topcase.
Windscreen high. |
Audio system with Bluetooth. Cruise control. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)
Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). Seat heating. Topcase.
Windscreen high. |
Audio system with Bluetooth. Cruise control. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)
Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). Seat heating. Heated grips.
Windscreen high. |
| Frame Type |
Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine |
Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine |
Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine |
Bridge-type, cast aluminum, load-bearing engine |
Key Specifications
Engine
In-line six, four-stroke
Power
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Torque
175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Top Speed
162.0 km/h / 100.7 mph
Weight
364.0 kg / 802.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity
26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
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Full 2020 BMW K1600 Grand America Specifications
Comments
Audio system with Bluetooth. Cruise control. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)
Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). Seat heating. Topcase.
Windscreen high.
Year
2020 - 21
Make
BMW
Model
K 1600 Grand America
Colours
Black Storm Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Hockenheim Silver Metallic
Make Model
BMW K1600 Grand America
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
30.7 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
780 mm
Seat Height
750 mm / 29.5 in.
Wheelbase
1618 mm / 63.7 in.
Height
1440 mm / 56.7 in.
Length
2560 mm / 100.8 in.
Width
1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)
Fuel Capacity
26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Wet Weight
364.0 kg / 802.5 lbs
Bore x Stroke (mm)
72.0 x 67.5 mm
Displacement (ci)
100.62 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1649.0 cc
CO2
132.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type
In-line six, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.8 x 2.7 inches
Stroke
67.5 mm
Displacement
1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine Detail
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Bore x Stroke
72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio
12.2:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Emissions
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Fuel Consumption
5.70 litres/100 km (17.5 km/l or 41.27 mpg)
Fuel Induction
52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve
4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type
Premium unleaded (95 RON)
Ignition
Digital CDI
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Battery Capacity
12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Clutch
Multiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission / Drive
Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut
Frame Type
Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front
Dual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Suspension - Rear
Paralever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Rake
27.8°
Steering Head Angle
62.2°
Trail
106.4 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front
115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
125 mm / 4.9 in.
Alternator
W 700
Lighting system
Xenon headlight
Brakes - Front
2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims
Cast aluminium
Rims - Front
3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear
6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
190/55 ZR17
Wheels
Cast aluminium wheels
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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